Understanding how certain bacteria attach to heart tissue during infections
Official title: Defining a novel mechanism of adhesion present in multiple infective endocarditis causing species
Funded at Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-10748408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria stick to blood cells in the heart, which can help us understand and find better ways to prevent and treat heart infections, especially for people who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $224,400 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI169339-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10748408 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for infective endocarditis, particularly those with pre-existing heart conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any risk factors for infective endocarditis or related heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which specific bacteria, particularly Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus mitis, adhere to platelets in the context of infective endocarditis (IE). By exploring the role of a newly identified protein, AsaA, and its interaction with sialic acid on platelets, the study aims to uncover new insights into bacterial adhesion processes. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze these interactions, which could lead to the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies for IE. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how infections can affect heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent bacterial infections from causing serious heart conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding bacterial adhesion mechanisms, but this specific approach involving AsaA is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Samantha Jane — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: King, Samantha Jane
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.